Aug/Sept 2024 Aspire Magazine FULL Issue | Page 49

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WISDOM & SELF-GROWTH
I recall a video of astronaut activity on the ISS at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic . The strikingly peaceful video of Earth from space provided a stark contrast to the chaos and fear unfolding on the planet ’ s surface .
From their 248-mile distance , reality appeared quite different — serene , even , as our planet floated along against the starry backdrop of the Milky Way galaxy . There was no sign of Covid-19 from outer space .
I often think of what I now refer to as the space station view of everyday life to reorient the swell of fear , panic , and urgency that can so easily become a consuming part of daily human life .
FROM SPACE , NO MATTER HOW BIG A PERSON ’ S INDIVIDUAL PROBLEM , NO MATTER HOW TERRIFIED THEY MAY BE OF AN ECONOMIC CRISIS , RELATIONSHIP ISSUE , CAREER DISASTER , OR GLOBAL PANDEMIC , IT ’ S INCONSEQUENTIAL FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE ISS .
This perspective isn ’ t meant to minimize the significance of the trauma and drama in our lives , but instead stands as an offering to compliment it for the purpose of counterbalancing the depth of our suffering . It ’ s a reminder that we ’ re each small drops in the massive ocean that is existence , and encourages us not to sweat the small stuff — or even the big stuff .
Though our individual realities feel of the utmost importance to each of us , we ’ re each the main character in the saga of our lives . Nothing is really that important in the greater scheme of the universe . After all , stars are being born and dying every day while we stress about our lifestyle choices and social media content .

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